Marijuana Rules For Underaged 'Ridiculous:' South Brunswick Chief

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said the process of dealing with underage marijuana users under the new law was "ridiculous," as it prevented law enforcement officers from informing parents.

Under the new laws, first time underage offenders will be given a written warning, but law enforcement is prohibited from notifying their parents or guardians.

“It's ridiculous. They did not think this through,” said Hayducka.

“You know how mad the parents are gonna be when we bring it in? And rightfully so.”

A second offense by an underage user would require notification to parents and a third would result in drug treatment referrals and a $50 fine or community service.

Explaining the process, Hayducka said if officers catch a juvenile with cannabis and alcohol, they have to take possession of the juvenile, the marijuana and the illegal substance. Officers would then bring the child home and tell parents the child is under the influence, but they cannot give them the details.

“If I catch a juvenile with a can of beer and a joint, we legally cannot tell the parent. On the first one, you have to give them a warning. It’s ridiculous,” said Hayducka.

“Parent should know if their under age child is smoking marijuana.”

The police chief said legislators are currently looking into this aspect of the law.

Meanwhile, South Brunswick police is going to coordinate with schools to “try to work their way through,” said Hayducka.

“I think it's going to put a bigger burden on schools than law enforcement,” said Hayducka. “They're going to have to get more education.”

Hayducka said it was important to educate the public about the new marijuana laws. The police department meanwhile has provided training to officers.

“We've been in constant communication with the prosecutor's office, and the attorney general's office. And in all fairness, they're working through it. This is all new,” he said.

“Quite frankly, I have no opinion on it (marijuana laws) at this point. It is the law and we're going to follow the law.”

Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed bills into law that make adult use of marijuana legal. It also decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana possession in New Jersey.

How does the new law affect you? Here are a few basic questions answered by Hayducka:

Can I be arrested for smoking marijuana?

Not unless you are in possession of more than six ounces. “Now, if they're impaired due to marijuana, we certainly can make an arrest.”

Where can I buy cannabis?

You still cannot buy marijuana in New Jersey, unless you have a medical marijuana card. Locations for dispensaries are not known yet. “The legislators are working on it. From what I read, they anticipate by the end of 2021, they will have some systems set up in New Jersey,” he said. Learn more about medical marijuana here.

Where can I smoke marijuana?

You cannot smoke at public places unless designated. “My guidance is any place that you're allowed to smoke in public, or in private obviously.” Hayducka said that the police department is still working through these rules.

To read more about marijuana legalization in NJ, click here. For the NJ Attorney General's guidance on marijuana legalization, click here.

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